Botswana Lamb Curry
A fragrant and flavorful lamb curry, rich with spices and tender lamb, often served with rice. This dish showcases the influence of various culinary traditions in Botswana.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 pounds Lamb stew meat(bone-in, cut into chunks)
- 0.25 cup Cooking oil
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(crushed)
- 2 teaspoons Ginger(minced)
- 2 teaspoons Thyme(minced)
- 1 tablespoon Tomato paste
- 2.5 tablespoons Curry powder
- 1.5 teaspoons Ground coriander
- 1.5 teaspoons Cumin
- 1 tablespoon Beef bouillon powder(optional)
- 2 cups Beef stock
- 2 cups Water
- 1.5 pounds Potatoes(small, quartered)
- Salt(to taste)
- Black pepper(to taste)
- Parsley(for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the lamb meat with salt and pepper. Heat the cooking oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. In batches, brown the lamb on all sides. Remove the lamb from the pot and set aside.
- 2
Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and lightly golden, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add the crushed garlic and minced ginger to the pot and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Sprinkle in the curry powder, ground coriander, cumin, and beef bouillon powder (if using). Stir well to combine.
- 5
Pour in the beef stock and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
💡 Tip: Using stock adds more depth of flavor than water alone. - 6
Return the browned lamb to the pot. Add the quartered potatoes. Bring back to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the lamb is tender.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - 7
Uncover and simmer for another 15-20 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a thicker sauce, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot.
- ✓If you prefer a milder curry, reduce the amount of curry powder or use a milder blend.
- ✓This curry can be made ahead of time and reheated, as the flavors often meld and improve overnight.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like carrots, peas, or cauliflower.
- For a touch of sweetness, add a tablespoon of mango chutney or a pinch of sugar.